Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Despite increases in city contributions to both its police and fire pension funds, Normal, Illinois’, unfunded police and fire pension liabilities are growing.
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.
Rahm’s Mr. Pennybags disguise
Rahm’s Mr. Pennybags disguise
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.
House again fails to ban local Right to Work
House again fails to ban local Right to Work
The Illinois House’s failure to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto is a victory for local leaders trying to attract good jobs for their communities.
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
As other states repeal, Illinois death tax remains
Both Delaware and New Jersey have joined a growing trend away from estate taxes at the state level.
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
Phony property tax freeze introduced in Springfield
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
Under Illinois strike laws, everyone loses
Under Illinois strike laws, everyone loses
Palatine-area District 15 support staff returned to work at the end of October, following a two-week strike. But workers are still without a contract, making the strike nothing more than a show of union muscle at the expense of workers, students and parents.
Chicago’s Amazon bid
Chicago’s Amazon bid
House considers legislation to remove criminal penalty from SB 1905
House considers legislation to remove criminal penalty from SB 1905
An amendment has been filed in the Illinois House of Representatives that would remove language making local government officials criminals simply for enacting Right-to-Work laws. But significant problems remain.
Report: City Colleges of Chicago watered down standards, issued thousands more degrees
Report: City Colleges of Chicago watered down standards, issued thousands more degrees
Illinois’ largest community college system saw a decrease in enrollment, but a doubling of degrees.
Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million
Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million
According to one estimate, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is trying to cut the property tax bill for Trump Tower by more than $3 million.
State report: Illinois economy lags nation, neighbors
State report: Illinois economy lags nation, neighbors
The October briefing from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability outlines Illinois’ weak growth, and projects more of the same.
Chicago to pay $20 million to parking meter company in 2018
Chicago to pay $20 million to parking meter company in 2018
As a continuing part of a bad deal, Chicago taxpayers will pay Chicago Parking Meters LLC $20 million.